Without soil, it is impossible to produce food and raise livestock on a large scale. Because soil resources are limited and fragile, it is a precious resource and needs special care from users. So, what is healthy soil like?
Let's take a look at the 10 characteristics of soil health today! 10 characteristics of soil health!
1. This kind of soil has good farming characteristics. This is a general feature that soil can grow healthy crops. The soil is not easy to be compacted, easy to be infiltrated by air and water, and also has sufficient water holding capacity.
2. The depth of plough layer is enough. Is the topsoil deep enough for the roots to spread, or is the bottom hard due to nature or growers?
3. Adequate nutrition but not too much. Is the nutritional level adequate, accessible and absorbable? Is the nutrient cycle good, or is it overnutrition, which is easy to leach out and harmful to the survival of microorganisms?
4. The number of plant pathogens and pests can be controlled. Are beneficial organisms in the soil increased and harmful organisms can be suppressed at the same time?
5. The soil is well drained. Because of good structure and pore space, healthy soil drains quickly, while still retaining enough water for plants to grow.
6. A large number of beneficial organisms. Beneficial microorganisms are very important for organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycle, soil structure and pest control.
7. Weeds have little pressure. Proper soil management, such as producing cash crops and covering crops, can help reduce the pressure caused by overgrown weeds.
8. No harmful chemicals and toxins. Healthy soil does not contain harmful chemicals and toxins, or has the ability to neutralize toxins, so they will not adversely affect the growth of plants and microorganisms.
9. Anti-degradation. Soil has strong resistance to wind erosion, water erosion and soil hardening.
10. resilience when adverse conditions occur. After harvesting under unfavorable conditions such as drought or humidity, healthy soil can recover quickly.